LivingSpaces_summer2012

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E S A S K AT O O n & R E G I O N H O M E B U I L D E R S ‘ A S S O C I AT I O N

SUMMER 2012

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Parade of H omes touches li v es

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G o for the green :

n the K itchen : 63 ILiving Sky Winery

Golf course living LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 1

2 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

■ In business since 1983, Ehrenburg Homes has built some of the most distinguished and energy-saving new homes in Saskatoon and area. Every home we build is a castle, designed to complement each family’s tastes and needs!

Building a home is likely the single largest purchase your family will make. By selecting Ehrenburg Homes, you can be assured your home is being built by the best professionals in the industry.

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GOING GREEN A proud ENERGY STAR® certified builder, Ehrenburg Homes incorporates numerous environmental and energy-saving products into these new homes. The homes we build today are designed to have a positive impact tomorrow!

REMARKABLE SERVICE Over the past 28 years, Ehrenburg Homes has earned a reputation for award-winning customer service, including the Platinum Service Award from the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan. Our after-sale warranty is second to none, ensuring your satisfaction.

CHOICE LOTS Ehrenburg Homes offers one of the best lot selections in Saskatoon for clients wishing to build custom homes, including walkouts, large

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Currently, Ehrenburg Homes has residential lots available in Stonebridge, The Willows, Rosewood, Hampton Village, Evergreen, Blackstrap Lake, Martensville and the new Parkview Cove development in Osler.

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Ehrenburg Homes New Home Sales Rep.

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LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 3

7

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40 0

Thickness of basement waterproofing membrane in a North Ridge home, in millimeters.

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Conserving and Integrating the Natural Wetlands into the Community.

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LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 5

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A Messagefrom the President & CEO

by Alan Thomarat President & CEO Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

The housing industry in Saskatchewan has never been more exciting. Consumers have unprecedented choice and selection allowing for unique designs, energy efficiency, new interior finishings and innovative floor plans. Each home can be customized to suit specific needs, whether you are looking for your first time home, an upgrade for your growing family or a return to an easy-to-maintain lifestyle option that allows you to travel, worry-free.

Energy efficient home designs have grown in popularity and consumer demand as homes that cost less to operate have fostered more industry innovation. Initiatives such as ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, LEED or R-2000 give homeowners access to the best energy saving innovations the industry has to offer. You can save money, reduce your home’s environmental impact over its lifetime and yet still not compromise on style or quality.

There are new ways to build your home as well with many construction techniques meant to reduce the time and cost of construction, while still providing the comfort and interior finishings that new homebuyers prefer. Modular and ready-to-move homes today are well-built, high quality and indistinguishable from traditional homes built on site. New wall systems, such as pre-fabricated paneling, are easy to install, highly insulative, sound proof, and fire resistant.

We know you want a well-built home so that you don’t have to worry about expensive problems after you move in. With so many options from flooring, to countertops, to state of the art spa bathrooms and other new and exciting home décor ideas, whether you take the floor model or customize every detail, you can be assured that your housing choices offer options to meet your family’s needs. And when you build with a Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association or a Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Saskatchewan member, you are building with the best in the business.

We hope you enjoy this edition of our Living Spaces magazine and that it helps you find answers and build the plans for the new home of your dreams.

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 7

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

13

7

contents Message from the President & CEO

22

From the Editor

25

Smart consumer

13

At home

28

Community: Hampton Village in final phase

18

Parade of Homes touches lives

30

21

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association proud to support Children’s Wish Foundation

10

8 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

42

The heat is on

46

The spa zone

48

It’s a guy thing!

50

Green scene

Sunny days!

54

Amazing renovations

36

Fencing match

60

39

Ask an expert

Affordable housing: Innovative Residential

40

Design elements

63

In the kitchen: Living Sky Winery

Go for the green: golf course living

40

editor

Jeannie Armstrong

art direction

James Grummett

photography

Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark

contributing writers

Tom Eremondi Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Jackie Blakely Paul Sinkewicz

project coordination Bev Campbell

publisher

The StarPhoenix Watch for the next edition of Living Spaces in your September 17 StarPhoenix!

63 42

Living Spaces is published

by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact Bev Campbell at The StarPhoenix, at 657-6204 or email: bacampbell@thestarphoenix.com

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 9

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

from the editor Welcome!

J eannie A rmstrong E ditor

Welcome to LIVING SPACES, the official magazine of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, published quarterly by The StarPhoenix.

from the editor

Summer can never be long enough in Saskatoon! Each warm, sunny day is precious and should be savoured to the full. This edition of Living Spaces is chockfull of great ideas that will help you transform your ho-hum back yard into an inviting oasis for outdoor living – from the installation of a season-extending sunroom or screen room, to the hottest new ‘must-haves’ for your deck or patio, including a wood-burning pizza oven.

Imagine having a championship golf course in your back yard! For a growing number of Saskatonians, golf course living is the ultimate dream come true. Living Spaces takes you on a tour of three local golf course communities designed to deliver amazing views and equally impressive residences.

Every dream home starts with a great design! Krista Martens, architectural technologist and founder of Beyond Measure Design, takes our readers through the steps of designing a custom home, on pages 40 and 41 of Living Spaces.

Great designs will be in the spotlight during this summer’s 2012 Parade of Homes, presented

by The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association beginning July 30. Now in its 23rd year, the Parade of Homes showcases the newest trends and innovations in residential home design and construction.

This year, 16 of the association’s member builders will participate in the Parade of Homes with outstanding show homes located in the region’s newest neighbourhoods. Just over half of this year’s Parade homes have been designated by their builders as prize homes in the annual Children’s Wish Foundation Home Lottery. The initiative raises much needed funds for the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation, which each year grants the wishes of approximately 50 seriously ill children from across the province.

Look for details of the 2012 Parade of Homes in this edition of Living Spaces and start envisioning your dream home!

10 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

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athome

P ark place : B riarwood home offers y oung family room to grow b y J eannie A rmstrong

Darcy and Kristen Meyers have made Briarwood their home for the past seven years. Like many young couples in Saskatoon, they started off by purchasing a townhome, located in a gated community on Banyon Crescent.

With the arrival of daughter Elle three years ago, the once-cozy condo now seemed cramped. “We realized we needed more space. There were toys everywhere,” says Kristen, who in addition to being a busy mom is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Darcy Meyers works in industrial chemical sales.

The family’s frequent strolls to nearby Briarwood Park took them by Briarvale Road where Boychuk Homes was developing a unique, well-planned streetscape. The development of Briarvale Road represented the final 25 residential lots available for sale in the maturing neighbourhood of Briarwood.

“We had our eye on this crescent development for well over a year before we actually decided to put a deposit down on the lot. We weren’t sure whether we wanted to buy an existing home or to build new. At the time, we felt that a lot of the existing homes on the market were overpriced. We weren’t really in a rush,” says Darcy Meyers.

P hotograph y b y E laine M ark , D & M I mages C o n t in u ed o n f o llo w in g p ag e

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 13

at home

co n tin ued from previous page

“I think we have the best of both worlds – being in the city and being able to enjoy the park behind us.”

“There was something about every house we looked at that we didn’t like. We thought, ‘why overpay for a house that isn’t right for us?’ ” says Kristen.

- DARCY MEYERS

“We started the process with Oran Reiman, one of Boychuk Homes’ sales associates. Oran retired after that, but we still see him all the time, because he’s our next door neighbour,” says Darcy.

“Elle was about a year old when we began looking at other homes. We walked past this lot on almost a daily basis to go to the park. We liked the neighbourhood, we liked the park. We thought this would be a great spot,” says Darcy.

The Meyers learned the lot they had their eye on was sold, secured by a deposit. Then, suddenly, the buyers backed out and the lot was available again.

“We were comfortable going with Boychuk Homes because of their long history in Saskatoon and their reputation for quality. I didn’t have any concerns at all,” he added.

Boychuk Construction was incorporated in 1947. The family-owned firm has been developing neighbourhoods and building houses in Saskatoon for the past 65 years.

The builder’s long-time membership in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan added to the couple’s confidence in their choice of a builder. “It was nice knowing that we had the backing of a third-party warranty. We also liked the fact that Boychuk Homes builds Energy Star® homes,” says Darcy.

14 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

With the lot secured, it was time to begin the design phase. “We had been thinking about what we wanted in the space for about a year.

We were fortunate that we had the time to really think things through,” says Darcy.

The couple met with Boychuk Homes’ designer Kelly Schroeder. “I did a rough outline by hand of the areas we wanted to include and gave it to Kelly. He came back with an initial rough draw. We reworked it once and the second time around, he came up with this floor plan,” says Darcy of their inviting 2,333 square foot, two-storey home.

One of Kristen’s “must-haves” was a space for her massage therapy studio. “That was kind of the only thing I said we needed. I wanted the option to work from home. It turned out very well. I sold my business right after we moved in here and set up my office at home,” says Kristen.

The massage therapy office is located right off the home’s large foyer. “It means that Kristen’s clients can just enter through the front door and proceed right into the massage therapy room. They don’t have to walk through the rest of the house,” says Darcy.

The Meyers also wanted their home to have an abundance of windows to capture the views of the scenic park adjacent to their lot.

“We had good windows in our other house, but it was a townhouse. We were just staring into other people’s living rooms and yards. We knew we wanted lots of windows and a big open view,” says Kristen.

Windows they got. The impressive living room is flooded with natural light by a two-storey wall of windows. The window-lined dining area off the spacious kitchen is sunroom-inspired in its design and feel.

“We wanted lots of windows facing the park.

Our bedroom also has lots of windows, all looking out onto the park,” says Darcy.

The large kitchen means the Meyers can now entertain family and friends with ease. “In our townhouse, we weren’t able to entertain much.

Now we have the space to have friends over.

We had Christmas dinner here this year. The kitchen tends to become the congregating point for our guests, even with the big living room.

We can put the food out on the big island and everyone just gathers around,” says Darcy.

The magnificent kitchen features Lancaster cabinetry in a “maple molasses” finish C on tin u e d o n fo llo wing page

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 15

at home

co n tin u e d from previous page

from Superior Cabinets, paired with Cambria quartz countertops. The handscraped maple engineered hardwood flooring from the Dansk Aztec collection was sourced from CQ Flooring.

Kristen selected a soothing, contemporary green colour palette for the home’s interior. “I like green. I don’t want to paint for the next 10 years, so I wanted to choose something neutral,” she laughs. The exception to the green theme are the princess-perfect pastels that adorn Elle’s room.

When asked what they enjoy most about their new home, Kristen responds, “The space!”

“I find it relaxing here. There’s lots of space,” says Darcy. “We both grew up on a farm so we’re used to looking outside and seeing trees and space. We didn’t want to move to a farm or an acreage at this point in our lives. We know how much work that is. I think we have the best of both worlds - being in the city and being able to enjoy the park behind us.” LS Kristen’s massage therapy office is located immediately off the home’s large foyer.

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Boychuk Homes’ Parade show home on Flegel Court features a stylish contemporary interior. (SP file photo)

Parade of Homes TOUCHES LIVES

b y J ennifer J acob y- S mith

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association continues their legacy of innovation and generosity with the 2012 edition of the Parade of Homes. This year’s Parade of Homes features 21 homes in Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman and Osler which will be open to the public beginning the last week in July.

“Our Parade, as in previous years, is part of our partnership and our efforts to highlight and showcase all of the new innovations and all of the new neighbourhoods our builders are building in,” says Alan Thomarat, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

The 2012 Parade of Homes will include houses in Saskatoon’s newest neighbourhoods: Evergreen, Stonebridge, Hampton Village, and Willowgrove.

The Parade of Homes offers visitors a chance to see what home builders are up to in their latest home concepts.

“I think a lot of people will see that we use innovation to do some unique site planning so that we’re actually making good use of lands, while at the same time still building very open design and modern concept house plans,” says Thomarat. “On top of this, we are able to apply efficient appliances and technologies and achieve what we know as an EnerGuide rating of 80, which is a very high standard.”

Since starting in Saskatoon in the 1970s, the Parade of Homes has enjoyed continued popularity with builders – many of whom have been involved with the event from the beginning.

“The Parade creates healthy competition and innovation between builders,” says Andrew Williams, General Manager-Housing at North Prairie Developments. “Past Parades have always been a time when builders can show off their innovation and new products to the market.”

This year, North Prairie Developments will feature homes from their projects in Little Tuscany and Cottages at Trimble Pointe in the Parade.

18 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

While the Parade of Homes gives builders a chance to strut their stuff, the Parade continues a close partnership with a cause Thomarat describes as “very dear” – the Children’s Wish Foundation. For 22 years, the Home Builders’ Association has supported the charity with the Parade of Homes.

Every year, one lucky winner from the Children’s Wish Home Lottery gets to choose one of several homes in the Parade. This year’s grand prize show home will be worth an estimated $740,000. Other amazing prizes will also be drawn.

Each lottery ticket purchased touches the lives of children aged three to 17 battling a life-threatening illness and their loved ones. Granting a wish to a desperately ill child gives their family a chance to bond through laughter and fun. It’s a chance for them to dream and look forward to something positive. In the midst of a grim diagnosis or difficult treatment options, this hope has a profound impact on their emotional and physical well-being.

Williams says North Prairie Developments is proud to support the Children’s Wish Foundation and they enjoy giving back to the community.

Tickets for the Children’s Wish Home Lottery will be on sale at all grand prize eligible show homes. This year’s lottery will also feature bonus prizes and early bird prizes such as vehicles, vacations and cash prizes. The Parade of Homes will open July 30. For more information on the Parade of Homes visit paradeofhomesonline.ca or wishhomelottery.ca. LS

North Prairie Developments’ Little Tuscany project is one of 21 show homes featured in the 2012 Parade of Homes. (SP file photo)

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buildingcommunities Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association proud to support the Children’s Wish Foundation

by Jackie Blakely

For 27 years, the Children’s Wish Foundation – Saskatchewan Chapter has granted the wishes of children from across the province who are battling serious illnesses. It’s a cause that the members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association take to heart, as supporters of the Children’s Wish Foundation Home Lottery for the past 22 years.

“Our builders are very committed to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Saskatchewan. The Wish Home Lottery has sold out in recent years and we’re looking forward to repeating our efforts again in 2012, to help young children with life-threatening illnesses,” says Alan Thomarat, President and CEO of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

Since its inception, the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation has made over 700 wishes come true for sick children, between the ages of 13 and 17.

The program extends the full breadth of Saskatchewan’s borders, says Gay Oldhaver, chapter director of the non-profit organization. “We just did a wish way up in Fond du Lac. If they have any special needs in order to obtain the wish, such as travel, we also help with that.”

Oldhaver says the program is designed to support children who have a life-threatening condition or illness. “There are many diseases that are eligible but also there are conditions where the child needs special equipment to maintain life.” For example, a child with a pacemaker may be eligible for the program.

The Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation helps make about 50 wishes come true each year. “It‘s really based on capacity to be able to deliver the wishes as well as capacity to be able to find referrals for the wishes. We don’t solicit – we speak to physicians, nurses, social workers, and the business community. People don’t give us names, they find out about us and we ask them to have the family phone us. Never, ever do we phone the family of a sick child,” says Oldhaver.

In timing the fulfillment of the wish, the child’s treatment takes priority. “Most children actually choose to wait until after the treatments are done,” explains Oldhaver. Some have even recovered from their illness before obtaining their wish.

The Children’s Wish Foundation is supported through generous donations. The largest supporter in Saskatchewan is the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, through the Children’s Wish Foundation Home Lottery.

“For certain, the Children’s Wish Foundation Home Lottery funds our wishes for the most part.

It wasn’t always this big. The early years were much more humble,” says Oldhaver. “The relationship with the home builders’ association and the community has developed and grown over the years.”

Thirteen homes in last year’s Parade of Homes, presented last summer by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, were designated as prize homes for the Children’s Wish Foundation Home Lottery. The Home Builders’ Association is now busy planning the 2012 Parade of Homes, with a variety of builders committed to participating in the fund-raising home lottery.

Oldhaver stresses that monies raised in Saskatchewan stay in Saskatchewan to fund the wishes of children in our province. The average wish costs around ten thousand dollars to fulfill, and that’s not including what it takes to facilitate the wish and cover other expenses.

Gay Oldhaver is director of the Children’s Wish Foundation – Saskatchewan Chapter.

“More and more,” says Oldhaver, “we’re finding opportunities to partner with local and provincial businesses to be a part of the wish.”

For more information about the Children’s Wish Foundation – Saskatchewan Chapter, visit www.childrenswish.ca or call (306) 955-0511. LS

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 21

GO FOR THE In conversation GREEN This rendering shows what Greenbryre Estates, home of Saskatchewan’s first 12-hole golf course, will look like when completed. (Photo courtesy of Mindsight Studios)

Golf Course Living b y T om E remondi

Less than 10 years ago, there were no golf course communities in the Saskatoon area.

Today, there are three thriving communities, which, when completed, will house more than 2,000 families.

The Willows was the first such community. With homes enveloping the perimeter of the course, views of water features, rolling hills, lush greens and mature trees, it was an immediate attraction.

Homeowners were provided memberships, access to fine dining at the club house and facilities, but, most importantly, a higher quality of living.

According to its website, the development offers “impressive single family homes on spacious lots, townhome villas and apartment style homes by the city’s most respected builders, all in keeping with the architectural guidelines for the community.”

“The Willows has led the way with the number of high-end homes constructed there,” says Don Armstrong, Vice-President of Land at Dundee. “From the beginning, there was a different criterion for development that has only grown over the years. This has given the community its stature. Homeowners wanting to build a home at a certain price level are comforted by the fact that there are many other similar homes.”

Warman’s new 18-hole golf course opened for the first time in spring of 2011. (SP file photo)

Armstrong notes another major attraction. “The Willows was immediately popular because it was an established, nationally recognized golf course.”

It’s no surprise then that the development has sold quicker than expected. Originally planned over 15 years and in three phases, the first two phases were sold in six years.

Armstrong says phase three planning has begun. The original design, which included a resizing of the course from 36 to 27 holes, is being reconsidered. “We’ve realized there were things we didn’t like. We’re looking at several options, each of which gives

22 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

The Willows a different look and different hole configurations.”

Armstrong says it’s too early to say but expects single family homes similar to phases one and two. Lot sales should begin in 2013.

In Warman, The Legends development also offers a unique golf course community. You’re not allowed to, but people living in The Legends could easily drive a ball from their back yard to the new 18-hole golf course.

“That’s because all homes are less than five minutes away from the course,” says Keith Heinrichs from Warman Homes. The company has been involved in the new Legends community as a developer, lot sales manager and home builder.

The scope of the project is impressive, he adds, noting that The Legends is home to 1,200 single family lots. “There are also eight multi-unit sites and about 40 acres set aside for commercial land but the majority of homes are single family. To me, the real attraction is that there isn’t a lot of mixed housing yet, and it’s very affordable for the average middle-class family.”

Like The Willows, The Legends is selling fast. “The project started in 2008 and was scheduled for completion in 20 years. At the rate sales are going, it could be done in seven years,” Heinrichs says.

There’s also a prestige factor at The Legends. “The owner is a real golf fan so he wanted streets named for famous golfers,” Heinrichs continues, noting street names such as Hogan, Nicklaus, Faldo, Watson and Player.

“Once the neighbourhood is mature, the drive down Clubhouse Boulevard past the elm trees will be very similar to the drive you would take if you were at The Masters in Augusta,” he adds.

Back in Saskatoon, the Greenbryre Country Club was so convinced people would want to live at its new Greenbryre Estates, it closed its course for the year.

“When we re-open, we’ll be a 12-hole golf course,” reports club pro, Brad Vinnick. “This is a new standard that’s becoming popular in the U.S. With two six-hole segments, it’s a quicker, more convenient round of golf for those with busy lifestyles.”

This beautiful home in Warman is one of many in The Legends subdivision located just a short drive from the new Legends Golf Course. (Photo supplied)

“Homeowners wanting to build a home at a certain price level are comforted by the fact that there are many other similar homes.”

– Don Armstrong, Land DIVISION V-P, dundee DEVELOPMENTS

“The reason you love luxury hotel suites is there’s no clutter. Everything is clean, simple, shiny and smells good.”

Don Armstrong with Dundee Developments says the stately homes are one of the many things that characterize The Willows. (Photo courtesy

– Charlene Schumacher, Fresco Interiors

of Dundee Developments)

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 23

green

co n tin u ed fr om previous page

At the same time, he says starting holes will change frequently, allowing for variety while letting people still play a conventional 18-holes.

Those aren’t the only advantages, reports Troy Slater from D&S Homes, the project developer. “Greenbryre Estates is a private, self-contained community. That means homeowners can drive golf carts from their homes to the clubhouse.”

A feature of that clubhouse is the TwelveGrill restaurant. Slater says, “Open for lunch and fine dining in the evening, TwelveGrill will be a focal point of Greenbryre. Residents can call the grill and have items like pizza made and delivered to their door in a golf cart.”

He adds that, as a bare land condominium association, the club will be responsible for maintenance such as roadways, common greens and garbage disposal. “Homeowners will be responsible for their own yards but can contract the club to provide those services if they are going on vacation.”

In total, there will be 143 lots made available to the public, Slater reports.

“These range from a half to three-quarters of an acre, which is about the size of lots in Montgomery. Every lot is a walkout and there’s a minimum square footage mandated for houses, so there is potential for some beautiful homes and yards.”

A show home in the first phase of 48 homes should be open by Christmas, with occupancy soon after. The remaining 95 homes will be ready by spring of 2013. LS

Your Renovation, Our Specialty.

Professional, High Quality Craftsmanship.

Ron Rhode ■ 306-230-1999 ■ ridgecrest@shaw.ca

www.ridgecrestdevelopments.ca

24 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

The more than 140 lots at Greenbryre are a half to three-quarters of an acre, allowing for the construction of some amazing homes.

(Photo courtesy of Mindsight Studios)

smartconsumer

Taking C are of Your N ew H ome :

H ow to protect y our most important in v estment

The house is built. Now what?

The first step is to do a home inspection with the builder – be sure to note all defects and repairs on a walk-through inspection sheet. Next, discuss with your builder when you can expect any defects to be repaired.

A well-built home may still have some small issues that you should watch out for as you walk through with your builder. Check inside and out and make sure that everything in the home is built according to the contract. This is your best opportunity to bring up issues with anything you see and ask your builder questions about what to expect.

Moving in and getting settled The home inspection is complete and you are holding a new set of keys. You’ve asked your builder about home warranties and taken a look through a new homeowner’s manual. You have discussed what after-sales service you can expect from your builder and are satisfied with the agreement.

The builder has also provided what is called a pre-possession inspection tour. On this tour, the builder explains how to maintain the heating, cooling, electrical and water systems, including operation, troubleshooting issues and what to do when service is needed. The builder should also provide manufacturers’ information for systems in the home and any warranty documents.

You are now responsible for maintaining your new home. Today’s homes are generally C o n t in u ed o n f o llo w in g p ag e 39

Buying a new home is an exciting process but for a first time homebuyer, the details can seem overwhelming. In this issue, we familiarize readers with what to expect in their first years of homeownership and how to maintain your new purchase.

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HAMPTON VILLAGE IN FINAL PHASE b y J ennifer J acob y- S mith

When work began on the city’s newest west side subdivision, Hampton Village, there hadn’t been any new neighbourhoods west of the river since Dundonald was built in the 1980’s.

Growth had been hindered for over two and a half decades by several factors, mainly infrastructure weaknesses.

“The main challenge was finding a method of handling the sanitary sewer,” explains Don Armstrong, Vice President of Saskatoon land operations with Dundee Developments.

“When we did the initial feasibility study we had to think outside the box.”

Armstrong added that the sewer problems were eventually solved “through a lift station and force main pipe that bypassed the problem area where the existing system was too small.”

As a result of the creative thinking and political support from two west side city councilors – Myles Heidt and Maurice Neault – Hampton Village was born.

Located south of the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport and north of 37th Street in Dundonald, Hampton Village covers roughly 500 acres.

The first lots went up for sale in 2004. Initially, Armstrong admits, interest in the neighbourhood billed as “Your New Hometown” flagged.

“With it being the first west side neighbourhood [in 25 years], you had a little bit of negativity that you had to overcome,” says Armstrong.

Further, most buyers expected the west side neighbourhood to be less expensive than homes on the east side and were turned off by the price parity. Eventually, those obstacles became less of an issue. Driven by a housing boom and strong economic factors, Hampton Village development quickly ramped up.

As with a lot of newer subdivisions, Hampton Village has a comprehensive mix of housing types and land uses with single family dwellings, semi-detached, townhouse condos and apartment style condos. In spite of this, the neighbourhood still keeps to its small town feel with green spaces for an evening stroll and a ball park.

“One of the things that I’ve always liked about it – and we get a lot of comments about – is the linear park system and the way you can walk through the park system from one end to the other and not even have to get on a street,” says Frank Long, Land Branch project manager with the City of Saskatoon.

Now in phase seven of development, the final lot draw occured last month with the remaining 153 single family lots going up for sale.

“We initially thought it would take 15 to 20 years and it’s gone seven or eight,” notes Long.

As well, the City will complete Claypool Drive later this year – a major roadway connecting residents with Airport Drive, Circle Drive, and ultimately the north end of the city.

“It will provide another route, in addition to McClocklin Road, to get out of the neighbourhood. That will give people another option to get over to Airport Drive,” notes Long.

Dundee Developments will wrap up their final projects in the Hargreaves area of Hampton Village by the end of this year. The success of Hampton Village has spurred more development on the west side with the addition of the Blairmore Suburban Centre and the brand new residential area called Kensington.

28 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

For more information about Hampton Village, visit the City of Saskatoon website (Saskatoon.ca) under Departments/Community Services/Land. LS

Move up to The Meadows today!

DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

CURRENT PROJECTS

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LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 29

SUNNY DAYS b y J eannie A rmstrong

Aahhhh! The first day of summer! If only that feeling could last all year….

With the addition of a sunroom, screen room or patio cover, you can make the most of Saskatchewan’s incredible summers and enjoy the great outdoors even when the weather doesn’t co-operate.

“Saskatchewan’s weather is unpredictable at best. With the addition of a sunroom or a screen room, you have control over the elements. Whether it’s raining, windy, or the bugs are out, you’ll still be able to enjoy your back yard,” says Doug Goertzen, President of Pacific Home Products in Saskatoon.

A sunroom or screen room will not only make summer more enjoyable, it will extend your favourite season. Goertzen says, “A three-season sunroom can be enjoyed for eight months of the year. Depending on the type of winter we have that season could last even longer. I’ve had many clients tell me that they have used their three-season sunrooms to host Christmas dinner, when the weather is on the mild side.”

Goertzen founded Pacific Home Products in 1986, offering a variety of renovation services. He has been designing and constructing sunrooms and screen rooms for Saskatoon and area residents for the past 22 years. Goertzen says that demand for these products has never been greater.

The installation of a screen room creates an enticing enclosure where you can relax and entertain, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Photo: Pacific Home Products

The majority of his customers are established homeowners who have accumulated significant equity in their properties, says Goertzen. “We’re also seeing interest from younger families who want to expand their living space and enhance their homes. I think it’s an indication of Saskatoon’s expanding economy and increasing affluence.”

Goertzen has also noticed a recent trend favouring larger size sunrooms and screen rooms. “I think that reflects the scale of the houses that are being built these days.”

Pacific Home Products custom designs and constructs each sunroom and screen room for homeowners’ specific needs. “When I first meet with the homeowners, I ask about their lifestyle. Everyone is going to use the room differently. The design of the room should reflect their lifestyle,” says Goertzen.

30 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“Twenty years later, a sunroom is just as valuable, as attractive and as relevant as the day you bought it.”

– Doug Goertzen, Pacific Home Products Pacific Home Products features the highly respected LifeTime™ line of sunrooms. Each sunroom is custom-made at the factory to meet the homeowner’s exact specifications. The sunrooms are constructed from heavy duty extruded aluminum framework and floor-to-ceiling safety glass with options including double glazed and Low E glass. The insulated roof systems are engineered to meet Saskatchewan snow load requirements.

“You could go and look at one of the sunrooms we built 22 years ago, and it would look exactly like the day we constructed it,” says Goertzen.

“Twenty years later, a sunroom is just as valuable, as attractive and as relevant as the day you bought it. You can’t say that about too many purchases these days. It represents a good investment.”

A screen room is a more affordable option to a sunroom, while still providing enhanced outdoor living enjoyment. Pacific Home Products offers a wide range of roof and wall options to create an enticing enclosure where you can relax and entertain, without worrying about rain, wind or pesky mosquitoes.

“One of our wall options is Phifer Suntex screening, which provides 75 to 80 per cent blockage of wind and heat,” says Goertzen.

An even more affordable way to enhance your outdoor experience is a patio cover. The LifeTime patio covers are made to measure and can fit almost anywhere: decks, patios or walkways. “A patio cover will keep you out of the rain and provide shade from the sun. The other great thing about these patio covers is that later on you can actually convert them into a screen room or sunroom. They’re a great first step. If you decide

next year, or five years down the road, that you want to do something more, you still have that option. It’s one of our most versatile products,” says Goertzen.

Pacific Home Products’ newest innovation is the FlyAway retractable screen system. These motorized retractable screen doors will transform your deck, patio, gazebo, porch or garage into a completely sealed screen room, with the touch of a button. “It’s the coolest thing!” says Goertzen.

Before selecting a sunroom or screen room system, Goertzen urges consumers to do their homework. “People often buy products based on an image or a photo, instead of researching the performance standards or the substance of the product. Make sure it’s going to perform to your expectations,” he says.

Select your contractor with equal diligence. “Check out their reputation and background. Make sure they have the product that you want and that they can offer the service you need. Ask questions. Don’t just rely on the fact that they have a business card.”

Pacific Home Products has been in business for over 25 years and is a long-time member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. “Membership in the association helps to identify credible businesses. As an association, they are essential to the building industry,” says Goertzen.

Pacific Home Products’ showroom is located at #1 – 501 – 45th Street West. To learn more about their innovative products, visit www.pacifichomeproducts.ca or call 244-2800. LS

A three-season sunroom will expand your living space and increase your enjoyment of the great outdoors. Photo: Pacific Home Products

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 31

Th

Produced Produced & managed & managed by by

Showhome Showhome Hours: Hours: th th July 30 July -30 September - September 28th 28th Monday Monday to Thursday, to Thursday, 7-9pm 7-9pm Saturday, Saturday, Sunday Sunday & Holidays, & Holidays, 2-5pm 2-5pm

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Pure Developments is not your suit and tie builder, Pure is a young, innovative, hands on developer with a very educated team of local Tradesman and Suppliers. Pure has a remarkable know how to pay attention to ALL details. At Pure we are involved with many projects including spec homes, custom homes, renovations and design consulting.

Our company grows one project at a time ensuring that each and every New build is not just another House but built like it was our own, This is the Pure Standard!!! Pure has a unique ability to give you what you never thought you could have Our value, workmanship and design is something we get excited about every day and we hope you do to!

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 35

Rob Holinaty from Nordic Fencing says chain link fences a popular choice and can be seen around many yards in Saskatoon. (Photo supplied)

FENCING MATCH

H omeowners enjo y man y options b y T om E remondi

A fence is just that big wooden thing that goes around your yard, right?

Not anymore. Today, homeowners have a variety of styles and prices to consider, says Rob Holinaty, owner of Nordic Fencing.

“Wood fencing is still popular with customers,” he says, “but there are alternatives like chain link fencing, PVC or vinyl fencing, and ornamental iron. Iron fencing seems to be back in style with many homeowners, but it’s actually been around for hundreds of years.”

There are three main factors to consider when choosing a fencing material – maintenance, price and privacy.

When it comes to prices, Holinaty says it goes chain link, wood, PVC and then ornamental. Chain tends to be about $10 a linear foot less expensive than wood, with PVC and ornamental, priced about $20 higher than chain and very close together in price.

The next consideration is maintenance. “Any product you use will deteriorate from the moment you install it,” Holinaty says, “especially with our wind, sun, snow and other elements. That’s why I’d say about 99 per cent of our customers are looking for maintenance-free products.”

“Wood deteriorates faster than chain - it tends to be a lesser quality wood these days and has a life-span of about eight years,” reports Larry Graham, Product Manager at Nordic. “Chain link will give you the most bang for your buck. It will last the longest and is comparable to ornamental in this regards.”

Holinaty notes, though, that customers should be cautious of wire gauge. “There are some products out there with 11-gauge wire and 13-gauge core, which is just not very strong. For chain, the lower the number the stronger it is, so be sure to ask about this.

Homeowners have several choices when it comes to fencing their yards, including PVC or vinyl fencing shown here. (Photo supplied)

36 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“PVC has been around for 25 years and the first products that hit the market were from the southern U.S.,” he continues. “They weren’t made to withstand 40 below temperatures. Since then the technology has changed and they’ve become a definite

“Iron fencing seems to be back in style with many homeowners, but it’s actually been around for hundreds of years.”

– Rob Holinaty, Nordic Fencing alternative. Most manufacturers will warranty PVC for 20 to 25 years.

That kind of life span is amazing for any product.”

With four major fencing materials, he notes that homeowners have some interesting options. “People don’t need to fence a yard in using just one of the materials. For instance, an ornamental fence can be used as a highlight piece in a yard, say at the front of the house to enhance the curb appeal.”

“Ornamental is also nice with the trend of bigger homes on smaller yards,” adds Graham. “PVC and wood fences make those smaller yards feel enclosed but the ornamental gives an open feeling. It doesn’t affect the sight lines as much and, being usually black, tends to blend into the landscaping.”

against natural and man-made elements.

“Look at your yard when determining what kind of fence you want,” Holinaty suggests. “If you’ve got neighbours right around you and decks close by, then privacy is probably an issue. If you just want a barrier, then chain link is the way to go. This is why it tends to be king in older areas of the city. ” Your best choices for privacy are wood and PVC as slats tend to be closer together. If you want a more open feeling, chain and ornamental are the choices. Homeowners who like the look and price of chain but want privacy can add privacy slats – PVC strips that insert into the chain – for just a few dollars more per linear square foot.

Whether choosing ornamental or chain link, Holinaty says there’s a question all consumers should ask. “Make sure the metal is galvanized. If it isn’t, it will bleed rust and suddenly becomes a major maintenance problem that’s very difficult to correct.”

Holinaty says another consideration is experience. “If a business has been around for several years, there’s a reason. It means they’re doing good and reliable work. Nordic Fencing has been around since 1976, we have a very low staff turn-over and many of our employees – especially the crew foremen – have been with the company for 10 to 20 years.”

Also make sure the finishing is high quality – such as epoxy and powdercoating – or the paint will flake off, cautions Graham. He says consumers can check out the fencing around the 19th Street underpass – which was installed three winters ago – to view how a well-finished fence stands up

“At the busiest of times, it would take four weeks from original estimate to installation,” Graham says of time-lines that consumers can expect. He also notes that Nordic will do residential fencing projects from late April and early May until mid-October, weather depending. LS

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“They sure don’t

BUYING A NEW HOME? PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

build homes

like they used to!”

Burn through test: uncoated I-joist vs. Pinkwood coated PKI-joists

You’re right, today’s homes are better because they are built with engineered wood I-joists which out perform 2x10’s in every way except for one: FIRE. That’s why we created

Choosing a builder who belongs to the New Home Warranty Program ensures your new home is protected from problems that can occur with new buildings.

You’ll be covered for*: • Your initial deposit up to $25,000 if the builder defaults • Defects in workmanship or materials for the first year • Exterior water penetration for two years • Major structural defects for five years Plus, you can get even more comprehensive coverage with the optional extended coverage for single family homes.

To find out more, visit our website, or contact us today.

This is not a complete description of coverage. Contact the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan for warranty details.

*

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PKI-joists.

In a fire, uncoated I-joists can lose their strength in less than 5 minutes.

Pinkwood’s PKI-joists give you valuable time to escape your home thanks to their intumescent coating that swells, when exposed to fire, insulating the wood from the heat of the flame.

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38 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

PROFFESIONAL OPINIONS TRUSTED VALUES Market Value Consultations New Construction Appraisals Renovations 1308 8th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S8 Ph: (306) 934-4455 Fx: (306) 934-4425 www.dhasask.com

Spring is a great time to inspect air conditioners to prepare for the hot weather.

smart

co n t inued from page 25

Just like you, a new home takes some time to “get settled”. You will notice changes, often related to moisture levels that will continue to occur over the lifetime of the home. Typical changes include hairline cracks or nail pops in the drywall, small squeaks in hardwood flooring and shrinkage cracks in basement walls.

These are normal and do not indicate a defect that compromises the structure of your home.

If your builder does not provide you with the homeowner’s manual or the manufacturers’ information, ask for them. These are important documents to have if you want to maintain your home properly.

Rain Pounds

BlizzaRds Rage

Ongoing maintenance to keep your home healthy The first year will allow you to get familiar with your new home, the changes that the seasons cause, and the demands of air and water systems throughout the year. As your home ages, you may see different changes, but proper general maintenance will prevent any more complicated issues from arising for longer.

Home maintenance can become an easy routine if you plan it right. In the fall, you can prepare for colder weather by checking on furnace filters, vacuuming out ducts and checking chimneys for obstructions. In the winter, keep an eye out for the stresses of cold temperatures: window leaks, cool spots, and snow and ice blocking outdoor vents. The spring is a great time to test air conditioners, window screens and fans to prepare for the hot weather. In the summer, schedule outdoor and landscaping maintenance to take advantage of warm days.

You worked hard to purchase your new home.

With a few simple maintenance tips and a good year-round upkeep schedule, you can easily keep your home working efficiently and providing you comfort and enjoyment for years to come. LS

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give us a call at 1-800-638-5709 or visit us at allweatherwindows.com LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 39

designelements TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR CUSTOM HOME

A home is more than just walls, roof and a combination of rooms found within. Homes are meant to nurture our individual lifestyle and create an atmosphere we enjoy being in every day.

Custom home design is about designing a home that fits your needs today and in the future. By enlisting the help of a professional home designer you can take advantage of their many years of experience, a set of diverse skills and the knowledge needed to achieve the design of your custom dream home.

HOW TO FIND A PROFESSIONAL The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is a great resource. They have a number of professional home designers who are members of the Association, which is the voice of the residential construction industry in our city. By selecting a professional with membership in the Association, you know you are getting someone with the right qualifications.

In selecting a designer, you want a person who has at minimum a diploma in Architectural Technology. This person understands both how to draft the home and how the structure is meant to go together. When looking to hire a designer, ask about their credentials, what associations they belong to and their experience in the industry. Always do your homework before hiring anyone.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING Do some homework Take some time to compile a wish list of items. Using such websites as Houzz & Pinterest to visually convey your ideas to the designer is a great starting point. Sometimes what you consider modern may not be what your designer considers modern. That’s where images become very helpful.

Stay flexible and open minded Have an idea of the items you want but be willing to listen to the suggestions made by your designer. Remember, this is why you’ve hired a professional - to take advantage of their skill set and past experience.

b y K rista M arie M artens , A rchitectural T echnologist A . S c . T. B e y ond M easure D esign I nc . photos courtes y of D ecora H omes P hotograph y b y L isa L andrie

40 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

Have patience and plan ahead It’s a proven fact that creativity takes time. The more time you can spend during the design phase, the easier the construction process will be. Start well in advance of your project start date. I recommend starting six months prior to when you want to be starting construction. Some projects can take as long as a year depending on the amount of detail you’re putting into your design.

Be realistic and know your budget As much as we would like to work without a budget, most people have an end number in mind. Speak with your designer. They can give you some rough budget numbers based on past experience for you to work from. You can’t always have the items of a 2000 sq. ft. house in a 1200 sq. ft. space, so you need to be realistic about your budget.

hallway area as an art gallery instead of just blank walls. In the case of stairwells, consider using open risers to allow light from above to filter through the space making it feel larger.

Bathrooms Ensure that these areas have the items you need but aren’t oversized.

Only include the items that you use on a regular basis. A corner jet tub or steam shower are nice features but if you don’t use them regularly they can become a waste of space, which could be used for something else.

Laundry area One of my biggest complaints with the majority of homes today is that there is not a dedicated laundry space. A functioning laundry space needs areas for sorting, folding and hanging items.

Ask questions

Kitchen

It is important that you ask questions whenever you feel the need. Remember this is why you hired a professional. They are more than happy to help explain terms or situations you may not understand.

It’s a common misconception that a larger kitchen is better. If a kitchen becomes oversized you feel lost in the space. Today’s kitchens serve more purposes than just meal preparation. To achieve an effective design, you need to keep work zones in mind: preparation, cleanup, cooking, storage and non-cooking.

CREATING A DESIGN BRIEF This is the stage where a professional home designer can really prove to be invaluable. They will work with you to create a home design brief: a file that includes your wish lists, any images and describes your complete needs. This is a valuable tool for designers; they can make reference to this information throughout the project to make sure your needs are always being met.

To accomplish this, you will spend time in discussion with your designer about how you live in your current space, your routines and lifestyle.

You will also discuss the technical items of your home: wall heights, floor types, plumbing fixtures etc.

All in all, custom home design can be a rewarding experience. Using a professional to help guide you through the process will ensure that your home is one of a kind! LS Krista Martens is the Owner/Designer at Beyond Measure Design Inc. (www.beyondmeasuredesign. ca) and was the recipient of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s Bridges Award for New Member of the Year.

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All of this information adds to the designer’s understanding of your needs for your home.

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FINE TUNING THE DESIGN From here your designer will start to fine tune the design information, most commonly going room by room to ensure all areas have been discussed.

There are a few key areas that sometimes pose a greater challenge and are not top of mind when you are compiling your wish list.

Call us for your free in-home consultation today!

• Entry space This space serves to welcome guests into your home. It needs to be both inviting and sheltered as you approach the home. You should also maintain adequate interior space for coats and an area for a bench to sit.

• Hallways & stairwells

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These areas are often overlooked. With a little thought they can become an interesting feature of your home. A prime example would be to use a

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THE HEAT IS ON! Back yard barbecue season is here

B Y J A C K I E B L A K E LY

There’s no better way to spend a summer in the city than enjoying time spent in an enhanced back yard. Designer back yard living spaces have become a big trend. “People have spent from $1,000 on a high quality barbeque to $70,000 on a back yard oasis, complete with waterfalls, fire bowls, even lining their deck with hand railing where every post is topped off with a torch,” says Chris Richard, co-owner of Titan Designs, located at 510 Circle Drive East.

“It’s almost like a resort when you walk into their back yard,” says Richard. “It’s a new way to do something with a small back yard. By making that space spectacular, it extends your home.”

Back yards have long been a focal point for entertaining, but with this trend, back yards take on even more significance. Titan Designs can suggest an endless variety of features to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor living space.

Currently, gas fire pits, custom built outdoor kitchens, fire bowls, patio furniture, and pergolas are all big sellers, explains Richard.

“With an outdoor kitchen you can start with just the island and drop components in it, like a fridge, blender, drawers, cupboards, TV, refreshment rack, stereo – you name it,” says Richard.

Chuck Riou, president of Brick and Stone Solutions, agrees. “People are spending more money and time in their back yard. They’ve become people places, entertaining places.”

ABOVE: Titan Designs offers an array of appetizing outdoor kitchen options.

Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix

RIGHT: Outdoor woodburning ovens and fireplaces are popular back yard features, says Chuck Riou of Brick and Stone Solutions.

Photo: Eden Stone Co.

42 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“People are spending more money and time in their back yard.

They’ve become people places, entertaining places.”

– Chuck Riou, Brick and Stone Solutions

Located at 2834 Millar Avenue, Riou’s company specializes in outdoor wood burning ovens. Wood burning ovens are a new backyard feature.

You can bake bread, pizza, chicken, lasagna – anything that requires a high temperature.

“They aren’t large,” says Riou. “You wouldn’t be able to put them in a restaurant, but you can bake two 13” pizzas in there.” And cooking in a wood oven gives food that delectable wood oven taste.

Brick and Stone Solutions sells modular, do-it-yourself packages. The unit can be easily installed on a prepared surface.

“You can put the oven together as a weekend project,” says Riou. There are no masonry skills required. “You don’t have to be a brick layer to put them together. You use high temperature mortar to assemble them and end up with a unit you can finish any way you like – with stucco, manufactured stone, or a natural stone exterior.”

Riou adds, “They are fairly clean burning – not a lot of smoke. The main product on the exterior is a volcanic rock from Iceland. The heat cre-

ated inside doesn’t transmit to the outside.” These units average about $10,000 for a complete install, with pad and exterior finish.

Thinking of replacing your old gas barbecue with an enhanced model?

Richard offers some expert advice: “If you’re buying a stainless steel barbeque, make sure it’s 100 percent stainless steel. Make sure the tub isn’t made of something else.” In cheaper models, the tubs are not usually made of stainless steel and they eventually fall apart.

For the ultimate in convenience, consider having your natural gas line extended to your deck or outdoor kitchen. Connected to your home’s natural gas system, these barbecues never run out of fuel and are safe, fast and easy to use.

Other outdoor natural gas products that will turn up the fun and comfort in your backyard oasis include natural gas campfires, patio heaters, pool heaters and outdoor lights.

To get the most out of your backyard upgrades start early, urges Richard.

You want to enjoy your investment to the full, all summer long! LS

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Rain shower heads, like this one from Grohe, come in dimensions up to 16 inches or more and make showers a relaxing experience. Supplied photo

The spa zone b y J ennifer J acob y- S mith

Spa resorts continue to attract thousands each year as Canadians look for ways to destress and relax. The fast pace of life can make it difficult to carve out time for these escapes. As a result, many homeowners are turning their bathrooms into a temporary retreat from the commotion of busy lives, family demands or hectic careers.

The best place to begin when designing a spa-worthy bathroom is the shower or tub – usually the largest feature in the space – and both have evolved into luxurious pampering stations.

There is nothing like a jetted tub to pulse away worries and stress. Jetted tubs can come with a heated back rest for comfort. Lighted ports under the water use chromotherapy or colour to match your mood.

“A lot of people think it’s just mood lighting,” notes Gord Bethel, owner of The Plumb Shoppe. “But it’s developed into a science – even hospitals use colours in different rooms to calm people down or to energize them.”

Blues and greens are calming colours, while intense warm colours like red can give you energy.

Deep soaker tubs offer a variety of options for those wanting a contemporary look or a more traditional décor like the classic claw-foot tub. Soaker tubs come in a variety of colours, not just your typical white porcelain. Either way, a huge soaker tub can become a focal point in your new spa space.

While soaker tubs have become quite popular, they may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.

For older clients, they may worry about being able to get into and out of the high walled tub.

A vessel sink, like this copper sink from Stone Forest, can become a work of art for your bathroom. Supplied photo

“People with small children might like the big deep tub for themselves, but then when they try to bathe a baby in it all of a sudden they need four-foot arms,” jokes Leah Patrick, sales consultant at Gregg’s Plumbing and Heating.

Meanwhile, other homeowners are opting to rip out their tubs and replace them with opulent showers instead. Completely customizable showers can now be installed in virtually any shape or size with options for body jets, hand-held showerheads, trickle faucets, and rain shower heads.

46 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“It’s like a whirlpool, but standing up,” says Bethel. Indeed, the pulsing body sprays can massage trouble areas and invigorate tired muscles.

Steam showers offer similar benefits with the use of steam instead of water. When considering a major bathroom renovation it’s important to consider electrical usage. Older electrical panels may not be able to handle the electricity requirements from a steam generator.

“With any kind of shower, whether it’s tiled or acrylic, a seat is a really good idea. If you’ve got a lot of shampoo bottles, you’ve got a place for them. You’ve got a place for shaving your legs, too,” Patrick advises.

Chrome is more than just a practical application for bathroom fixtures; it’s a hot trend right now.

“It’s very cohesive,” says Patrick, adding that the popular finish is used everywhere from kitchen door pulls to light switches. “The chrome shines. If you’re wanting to create some bling, it’s a good choice.”

Clear glass, mirrors, smooth surfaces and high shine create a light and airy experience in most contemporary bathrooms.

Another current trend is the use of vanities that look like pieces of furniture – ornate dressers or antique cupboards. A more contemporary look may employ rich materials such as bamboo or granite.

One feature getting the star treatment in renovations is the bathroom sink. A simple vanity and plain white sink may work for some applications, but for those wanting a touch of grandeur, the options are endless.

Sinks come in all sorts of shapes, materials and hues. They can be func-

tional or make a statement as the focal point of the entire room with materials such as bold copper, bamboo, stainless steel, granite or polished stone.

“It can be a beautiful piece of art,” notes Patrick.

Creating a luxurious spa experience at home is about more than just choosing high end bathroom fixtures.

“I find sometimes it’s the simple things. Get rid of the unmatched towels, and put in white nice fluffy towels. Get rid of the messes on the counter,” Patrick says.

Patrick adds it’s important to put your own personal stamp on your spa space with the addition of a sculpture or meaningful wall art.

She suggests purging a linen closet to make room for cleaning supplies, toilet paper and extra shampoo bottles so anything on your vanity top can be tucked away inside shelves, cupboards or vanity drawers.

Coordinated glass canisters can be used for cotton swabs or a decorative bowl of unwrapped soaps.

Bethel agrees it’s sometimes the things you can’t see that can turn your bathroom into a den of luxury, such as heated floors or towel warmers. “You put a towel or robe on there when you get in, it’ll be nice and warm for you when you get out. It’s little touches that add luxury to your bathroom.”

Tune out the hurry-and-rush and unwind in a gorgeous bathroom you can call your own. Upscale fixtures can meet your needs for massage and hydrotherapy, while personal touches can create a retreat you will love to call your own. LS

Large windows and a clear glass shower enclosure make for a bright and airy spa bathroom.

Photo supplied by MAAX

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 47

Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors can transform your home’s garage into the ultimate man-cave!

Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix

It’s a

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It is the item on the dreaded ‘to do’ list that seemingly never gets checked off – clean and organize the garage.

While a busy homeowner may see that garage as a frustrating - maybe even insurmountable - chore, Larry Westby sees an opportunity to make life more enjoyable.

That’s because one thing Westby hates is a wasted space.

His business, Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors, is focused on adapting garages to the needs of the homeowner.

“We think the biggest room of the house should be the nicest room of the house,” Westby says.

Doesn’t your baby deserve to be pampered in a customized garage? Photo: Hayley Cabinets

The products he sells are designed to transform this utilitarian space into the ultimate workshop, or the ultimate kids’ play room, or, dare we hope it, the ultimate mancave.

“When the kids want to have a party, does mom want them in the house? No, she’d rather they were out in the garage,” he says.

And his showroom proves that the garage can be a pretty nice place to be.

Westby has taken pains to demonstrate the possibilities.

The first order of business is treating the concrete floors with a fast-curing, polyaspartic material from Slide-Lok. To do that, he sends in his team to shave off the top layer of the floor – about the depth of half a credit card. That opens up the concrete to allow the

48 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

coating to sink in and seal the floor. It can be applied in a wide variety of colours, and a flecking material is applied to add beauty and slip resistance.

“You can walk on it in four hours and drive on it in 24 hours,” he says.

“And it’s easy for clean-up, because oil and antifreeze, or what have you, won’t soak in.”

Cove floor edging goes up the walls to a height of six inches and completes the look.

For cabinets, Westby offers extremely tough powder-coated metal cabinets by Hayley in a range of configurations and colours.

He notes Harley Davidson enthusiasts like to order the orange and black, while Ski-doo lovers choose yellow.

The company also offers wooden cabinets that can be made to store all kinds of toys, like a set of golf clubs, or helmets and snowsuits.

“All of our wooden cabinets are made for us right here in Saskatoon,” he says.

He shows off a rolling entertainment unit with built-in counter-style seating. Along the wall is a flat-screen TV, while off to the side is a refrigerated cabinet with a tap on top and room for a keg underneath.

“If a bike falls against traditional drywall, you have a hole,” Westby says. “If it falls against this material, it doesn’t do any damage.”

Any scratches will be hard to see because the wall is the same colour and material all the way through. You can also hose down the entire garage and do no damage.

Accessory baskets and racks provide maximum storage flexibility.

For Saskatchewan residents who can’t afford to give up any nice summer days to flying pests, the most attractive thing in the showroom could be the sliding screen door system.

Available in up to 16’ by 8’ sizes, the system is a fully retractable unit that nests underneath the existing garage door on its own rollers.

When rolled down into place, it creates a seal between the garage and the elements.

“How many beautiful spring or summer days have been ruined by bugs?” Westby asks. “With this, you have full use of your garage to sit outside on a nice evening or to work on your projects in the garage.”

Westby also sells ATV and snowmobile lifts, as well as car lifts.

“What better place to watch the game?”

He’s always on the lookout for a new product that will save a little bit of space, or keep things organized, and takes pride in only offering high quality products.

The PVC slot wall system is more expensive than drywall, he admits, but it will never suffer chips and holes and you don’t have to tape, mud and paint it.

Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors Inc. is located at 3122A Millar Avenue. For more information visit the website at www.customgarages.ca or call 933-4320. LS

P lug into the sun B Y J A C K I E B L A K E LY

Bill Elliott takes solar power seriously. “I’m trying to retire but that’s not working,” says Elliott, owner of WSE Technologies, a local company devoted to alternative energy power. Elliott has been involved with solar energy for over 30 years, when interest was sparked by his desired vacationing spot – a cabin on an island, north of La Ronge.

It was a simple desire. “I wanted to live on the island in the summer and not hear a generator running all the time,” says Elliott. Several years ago, Elliott, an electrical engineer by trade, started WSE Technologies to get more involved with the solar energy industry.

Eliott says that a lot of his residential clientele want a solution that allows them to live off grid. “You’d be surprised at how many people want to go off grid,” says Elliot. Off grid refers to the ability to be totally energy self-sustaining and not being connected to the electrical power grid.

The ball park estimate for an average couple, for an off grid solution, is about twenty thousand dollars. “You’d need a backup generator for emergencies,” relates Elliot, “but 99% of the time the solar is all they need.”

WSE Technologies also offers a variety of solar air heating/cooling solutions. The WSE Solar Absorption chiller uses no energy. Instead, it uses heat from the sun to create hot temperatures and then uses that heat to also create the air conditioning effect.

The Coolarado is a patented device that is similar to a swamp cooler and uses evapo-

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“You’d be surprised at how many people want to go off grid.”

– Bill elliot, WSE Technologies

ration to cool. “This system doesn’t introduce moisture in the home, which is a big advantage,” explains Elliott. “For it to work properly you need a dry climate with low humidity.”

Other air heating/cooling solutions include the Cogen System that creates its own energy. This solution uses the electricity generated to create heat and uses an absorption chiller for air conditioning. “This is more for commercial applications. It would be a real winner on a farm,” says Elliott.

Other ways to plug into the sun and save include LED lighting. There is a higher initial cost for LED lighting but the lifespan on this technology is ten years without ever changing a light bulb. LED lighting reduces energy cost by 85 to 90 per cent. “There’s a good payoff with this,” says Elliott. LED lighting attracts fewer insects and mosquitoes, so it’s perfect for the cabin. LED light bulbs use standard light sockets and install like a regular light bulb.

WSE Technologies also sells solar heating for swimming pools. “We sell all across North America – thousands of units a year,” says Elliott.

The end result is a swimming pool heated for free. For the solar pool heater, combined with a pool blanket, the payback period is about three to five years. “It allows you to extend your season a couple of months

with no cost,” explains Elliott. “A lot of people use it to heat pools in the summer and their homes in the winter. Our systems work in very cold temperatures so what you want to do is develop a system that you can use year round and you get the best payback.”

Installation can be done by the purchaser. Generally, the installation period lasts only a few days. “A lot of the guys do it themselves especially in remote areas,” says Elliott. “We train them and they can do it themselves, and then they can also service it themselves.”

One of the biggest challenges for Elliott in the Canadian residential marketplace is the cost associated with solar energy solutions, but good news may be on the horizon. Currently underway are plans for a pace program – where you can install and pay over a period of years. “The government will let you go green with a small interest charge. The drop in utility cost generally covers the cost of the loan,” says Elliott.

He is hoping that this approach comes to Canada. “It’s very big in the United States and very successful down there,” says Elliott. “The Canadian Solar Association is working on doing this in Canada. Hopefully, we’ll see it within the next year or so.”

For more information, contact WSE Technologies at 244-8808 or visit www.wsetech.com. LS

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G ould Home Recreation has been supplying Saskatchewan residents

with only the best for over 50 years.

Most people who have heard of Gould’s can associate them with indoor recreation: Pool tables, portable bar systems, and just about any indoor game imaginable for your games area. But do not forget their elite line of outdoor patio furniture.

52 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

Gould’s offers only the best in Home Comfort

Gould’s has made a name for themselves carrying Homecrest outdoor furniture for over 28 years and is today one of Saskatoon’s premier patio furniture retailers. Brent Casey, owner of Gould Home Recreation, has expanded his lineup of outdoor furniture over the past few years. They now are a National distributer of Oriflamme fire pits made by Designing Fire, www.designingfire.com. Casey says, “Natural gas or propane outdoor fire pits can extend our outdoor season into the spring and fall while adding atmosphere and ambience to your patio.”

Gould Home Recreation has always strived to offer the customer what he/she wants. With over 10,000 combinations of color and frame style (aluminum or steel), quick dry sling chairs and deep seat cushioned chair sets, Gould’s has something for everyone. Everything is individually sold so you build your set your way. www.homecrest. com now offers a full online design center to start customizing your dream set before you leave the house or we invite you into the store to come sit and feel the comfort of our high quality patio furniture which is all North American built and backed with a full 15 year warranty.

From our family to yours, we thank you for the opportunity to help you acquire your perfect dream patio. Gould Home Recreation strives for excellence in customer satisfaction, so please do not hesitate to call on us for any of your patio needs.

New Location 116 Ave B North (between 22nd & 23rd Street) • www.gouldhomerec.com • 244-5041 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 53

amazingrenovations LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT?

For many homeowners, the emotional ties to a familiar neighbourhood can be as compelling as the desire to upgrade to the inviting amenities and feature of a new home. The Saskatoon owners of this 1970-era home decided to “love it”, and selected Impact Construction to design and complete a ‘whole house’ renovation. The transformation was incredible.

It’s no wonder that the homeowners’ love affair with their longtime family home was rekindled!

2012 Bridges Award Renovation of the Year: Whole House

IMPACT CONSTRUCTION That this house has seen few, if any, upgrades since its construction in 1970 is clear from the “before” photos, complete with dark varnished trim and bathroom cabinets, dated wood paneling, and overwhelming stone fireplace. The homeowner wanted a transformation that would see the outdated layout and tired finishings modernized to suit the needs of their family.

Impact Construction took on the project and magic happened. The original layout was changed to open up the spaces and improve the flow between kitchen, dining room and living area. The monstrous old fireplace was replaced with a new, sleek model that also serves to define the space between the spacious family room and the dining area. Gorgeous maple hardwood floors draw the eye throughout main living area and enhance the feeling of space.

The cramped back entrance was transformed with the use of lockers to keep items organized. The old kitchen was divided by a jarring wood paneled wall that enclosed the area, making spending time in the space unappealing for the household gourmet. This wall was removed to allow for an expansive kitchen with a large island, perfect for entertaining guests and for intimate family dinners.

The finish work gives the rooms a modern, sleek style that would appeal to any homeowner. Pot lights throughout the open living and kitchen areas are placed to brighten the space but are not overbearing. The fashionable glass pendant light fixtures above the island that serves as both work and eating areas complement the classy, understated look of the appliances and the dark, spacious cabinets. The kitchen overlooks a sunken entertainment room, complete with french doors, which leads off to the bedrooms and a completely updated bathroom.

Whole house renovations can be overwhelming to tackle at first, but as this project shows, the results are worth it. For those that hesitate to leave their cozy, familiar neighbourhood but long for an update for tired, obsolete finishings or awkward, cramped living areas, whole house renovations offer the best of both worlds. LS c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 56

BEFORE

54 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

AFTER

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 55

renos

co n tin u ed from page 54

Impact Construction tore down walls and reconfigured the living room, kitchen and dining areas of this 1970s-era home to create an inviting and spacious open concept floor plan.

The attractive great room is now an ideal space for entertaining family and friends. (Photos: Impact Construction)

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affordable housing I nnovati ve Residential introduces Hartford C rossing in Blairmore b y T om E remondi

“This is affordable housing?”

That’s a common comment Tyler Mathies and his company, Innovative Residential, have been receiving in Saskatoon for several years. The comments, no doubt, will continue this summer when its Hartford Crossing development is constructed.

Mirrored on the highly successful Bella Vista in Hampton Village, Mathies says Hartford Crossing will add 84 entry-level homes to the Blairmore community. “These are stacked townhomes,” he reports, “consisting of two units in each townhome. One is a groundlevel two-bedroom unit that’s 760 square feet while the other is a two-story, three-bedroom, 1,254 square foot unit.”

Those units are priced respectively at $174,900 and $253,900. “The design of the units is what helps us to achieve these prices, because of reduced land costs,” Mathies says, adding that prices are proving very popular. “When we started to sell Hartford Crossing, we sold 12 of the lower units in just the first week.”

“These prices are attractive to single moms, single dads, seniors and lower-income families,” says Mike Chudoba, vice-president of marketing.

“We’re helping these families become homeowners, but we’re also providing quality housing that is very appealing,” he adds, noting each unit includes six appliances, maple cabinets, feature walls, crown moulding, soft-closing drawers, kitchen exhaust fans, pre-wired phone and cable, and vinyl siding. The lower level units have a private patio, while upper level units have a large, deckstyle balcony.

The larger units include kitchen islands with seating, walk-in closets in two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and 30-year shingles. While all units have one parking stall, another bonus is that the three-bedroom units have a garage and opener. Saving land and building costs, these are jointly constructed in the centre of the development.

“There’s also a unique sound-deadening system incorporated into these buildings,” Chudoba says. “This sees a 10-inch roof on the lower level and 14inch floor on the upper level with an inch between the two, meaning there’s 25 inches of space between the lower and upper units.”

This 1,254 square foot, two-storey townhouse at Hartford Crossing is priced at just $253,900.

(SP photo by Jeff Lyons)

60 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“The suites also each have their own rather than shared walls making them essentially detached from one another,” Mathies adds, noting that the development is modular. “The units are built in a quality-controlled setting and then moved on site.”

He says Innovative Residential, which began operations in Saskatoon by moving and restoring 106 of 148 McNab Park homes to Camponi Place, is strictly focused on increasing the stock of entry level housing. “At the end of Hartford Crossing, we’ll have introduced 428 entry level units to Saskatoon.”

More often known as affordable housing, developments such as these could be considered ‘affordable housing plus’ because of two unique programs that provide homeowners with assistance to buy and then help pay for costs associated with home ownership.

“In one, we’ve partnered with groups such as the City of Saskatoon, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, and the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) to help families with down payments,” Mathies says. “Down payments are often the only obstacle to people becoming homeowners, so the program helps families overcome that challenge.”

It’s entry-level housing that doesn’t look like it, says Innovative Residential’s Mike Chudoba of the new Hartford Crossing in Blairmore. (SP photos by Jeff Lyons)

Several different income levels may qualify. Families without dependants and earning below $52,000 or families with dependants earning below $60,000 may be eligible for a five per cent, non-repayable down payment grant through the Mortgage Flexibility Program. Families with or without dependants and earning below $70,000 may be eligible for three per cent down payment assistance from the NAHC. Ongoing monthly assistance is based on financial need at time of purchase and is available in two forms – one that provides $175 monthly to help pay taxes and another that provides monthly assistance of $525. Both of these programs are non-repayable and provided for the first eight years of ownership.

“Together, these two programs allow people to first become homeowners but then to be able to continue being homeowners,” Mathies says, admitting that administering these programs is labour intensive.

“We have whole teams who look after just the financing of the homes.

The effort is worth it, because our end goal is to see people, especially people who may not have been able to do so previously, become homeowners.”

Chudoba notes that the assistance is further enhanced through the energy efficient features of the Hartford Crossing homes. “The units have Triple-E, low argon windows, dual flush toilets VAN-E air circulators, high efficiency furnaces, and ENERGY STAR rated doors and hot water heaters.

“These are normally features you wouldn’t see in entry-level housing,” he adds. “In addition to the financial assistance, we’re providing owners with ongoing cost savings achieved through these efficiencies.”

As of late April, the development was 50 per cent sold with Innovative Residential planning to repeat the success at other sites in Saskatoon.

Hartford Crossing is located in Blairmore at Hart Road and Shillington Crescent. Those interested can view the show suite located in Bella Vista at 1022 Hampton Circle. Financial representatives are also on hand to help answer people’s questions. LS

LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012 61

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LIVING SKY WINERY

BY JEANNIE ARMSTRONG P hotograph y b y J eff Ly ons Adventurous is the best way to describe Sue Echlin and Vance Lester.

The husband-and-wife team certainly ventured out on a limb when they decided to open a winery in the unlikely location of Perdue, Saskatchewan.

Living Sky Winery has proven to be a phenomenal success. Living Sky’s delicious fruit wines and hard ciders sell out as quickly as they can be produced. The fledgling winery has also earned critical acclaim, receiving ten national medals from the Canadian Wine Awards, Wine Access Magazine and the Northwest Wine Summit since opening for business 18 months ago.

Living Sky’s wines capture the fresh flavours of Saskatchewan grown fruits. “We like to have fun with wine. Our wines tend to change every year, based on what’s available locally for fruit. This year, we’re doing a chokecherry wine for the first time. Our wine making philosophy is based on what’s available locally, and not worrying about making the same product twice. Instead, we focus on making a really good product every time,” says Sue Echlin.

It’s interesting to note how fruit-intense Living Sky Winery’s products are. It takes ten pounds of organic apples to make one bottle of Three Day Dog apple cider and six pounds of strawberries to make one litre of wine.

“The flavours are true to the fruit. If you like raspberries, you’ll probably like a raspberry wine,” says Echlin.

“Fruit wine doesn’t have that stuffy attitude. You can dress it up if you want to, but it can also be enjoyed in an informal setting - out on the deck, beside the campfire.”

Echlin and Lester began to realize their dream of opening a winery eight years ago when they transformed their family farm into an orchard, including transplanting 1,800 German wine rhubarb plants.

To ensure the fledgling winery’s success, the couple sought expert advice. “We were smart enough to hire someone smarter than us: Dominic Rivard. His palate is flawless and so accurate,” says Echlin. The internationally acclaimed winemaker lives in Nova Scotia, and commutes back and forth to Saskatchewan to start and finish each batch of wine.

For 2012, Living Sky Winery will produce four different table wines, six dessert wines and three or four hard ciders.

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The flight of table wines features a quite dry currant, a quite dry cherry, an off dry rhubarb apple blend and an off dry raspberry.

When asked to explain the term ‘off dry’, Echlin says, “Off dry is more like sauvignon blanc in sweetness. It’s not a ‘suck your cheeks in’ dry. It’s easy to drink.”

The new flight of dessert wines will include a Romeo cherry port, Juliett cherry port, a black currant cassis, framboise dessert wine, a new chokecherry port and a strawberry mistelle.

This year’s hard ciders are Three Day Dog organic apple cider, Puddle Jumper rhubarb cider and Bunny Hugger cherry saskatoon berry cider.

The decision to produce cider was game changing for Living Sky Winery. “The cider was an experiment that has gone insane! We can’t produce enough to meet demand. It’s the one product we might decide to take nationally,” says Echlin.

“The cider has introduced a whole new crowd of people to our wine, people who wouldn’t normally have tried a fruit wine. Because our cider is gluten-free, it’s also in demand by the gluten-free market. That’s been huge.”

With consumers and restaurants alike clamouring for Living Sky wines and ciders, the company has boosted production. “We’ve been selling out consistently. This year, we’ve increased production by 20,000 litres. As soon as the fruit harvest starts, we’ll start making more,” says Echlin.

Echlin is equally adventurous in the kitchen. For her cooking demonstration for Living Spaces Magazine, she prepared recipes that showcased fresh, local ingredients sourced from fellow vendors at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.

“As a local producer, I try to be hyper local,” says Echlin. “The only ingredient I used that is not from Saskatchewan is the baking powder.”

Echlin describes the couple’s culinary and entertaining style as experimental. “We put tastes together that normally you might not think of. We rarely use recipe books. We just throw things together and try to be as seasonal as possible,” she says.

“I found a ten pound bag of fresh basil at the Farmers’ Market yesterday. I made pesto, using flax seeds instead of pine nuts. My whole house smelled like basil - even my dog!”

Living Sky wines and ciders often find their way into Echlin’s culinary creations, including the recipes she is sharing with our Living Spaces readers. “Fruit wines are such a flexible medium to create with in the kitchen. They give you extra colour for your canvas!” says Echlin.

Living Sky Winery products are available for sale at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. For more information, visit www.livingskywinery. com. LS

64 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

Cider-battered Northern Pike “Pair this entree with Living Sky rhubarb wine or rhubarb cider to emphasize the flavour of the rhubarb in the fish!”

1 bottle Living Sky Winery Puddle Jumper Rhubarb Cider 3 cups wild rice pancake batter 3 Tbsp. baking powder 3 Tbsp. flax seeds 2 lbs. boned northern pike Canola oil (for extra flavor, substitute camolina oil) Salt & pepper In a large shallow bowl blend together the batter, baking powder and flax seeds. Slowly add the cider while continuously mixing, until you achieve a thick batter consistency. Meanwhile, cut the fish into 2-inch strips and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat the canola oil in the pan until desired temperature (aka very hot!). Dip the fish into the batter until well-coated on both sides. Add to the hot oil and cook 2-3 minutes on both sides. The baking powder/cider combination will ‘fluff’ up the batter as it cooks. Fish is done when the batter is a nice golden brown colour. Serve hot, accompanied by the wild rice, lentils and pesto.

Wild rice, beluga (black) lentils and pesto “Super tasty and super healthy!”

3/4 cup Saskatchewan wild rice 1/4 cup Saskatchewan black lentils 3 cups fresh basil 3/4 cup flax seeds 3 large cloves garlic Olive oil 3/4 cup grated smoked Asiago cheese In a large pot, bring six cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice and lentils and cook covered for 45 to 60 minutes, on low heat, until water is absorbed and tender. While this is cooking, combine the basil, flax seeds, garlic and asiago cheese in a food processor and blend, adding olive oil until you achieve the consistency you like. After rice/lentils are cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Blend in the pesto until you get your preferred taste profile (I personally like it best with LOTS of pesto) and serve.

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Raspberry Vinaigrette

SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPES

This light and flavourful salad dressing adds a freshness to most greens.

Prairie Currant Sunrise

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3 Tbsp. raspberries fresh or frozen 1/4 cup Living Sky Winery Framboise 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 cup canola oil Squeeze fresh lemon In a food processor add the raspberries and purée. While the machine is running, add the Framboise, then add the red wine vinegar. Now slowly pour in the oil until emulsified. Add lemon juice to taste.

Panacotta Juliett A light, luscious dessert.

500mL cream 2 1/2 cups yoghurt 1/2 cup Living Sky Winery juliett port-style wine 1 cup local cherry filling 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2.5 packets bloomed gelatine Whipped cream Spray ramekins with a non-stick spray. Heat cream and sugar.

Mix yoghurt, cherries, most of the wine and vanilla together in a bowl. Mix bloomed gelatine into cream and mix into bowl with yoghurt mixture.

Pour into moulds and let set for at least 3 hours. Top with whipped cream, more cherries and a drizzle of the juliett wine.

66 LIVING SPACES SUMMER 2012

“A super easy cocktail that’s great for summer!”

1 shot local vodka from Last Mountain Distillery 1 shot Living Sky Winery cassis Ice Fresh local strawberries Lemonade In a glass with shaved ice, pour the vodka and cassis. Add a few chopped strawberries then top with lemonade. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and enjoy!

Raspberry Mojitos “Fruit wines are awesome in any type of cocktail!”

1 shot white rum 1 shot Living Sky Winery Framboise .5 shot lime juice 2 Tbsp. sugar Soda water to taste Fresh mint Fresh raspberries Measure one shot of rum and one shot of framboise into a tall glass. Add eight mint leaves and six raspberries to the glass (you can change to taste). Add the lime juice and sugar and then gently muddle everything together to a syrupy pulp. Add ice and top off with soda water. Garnish with fresh raspberries and some more fresh mint.

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